Scholarship FAQs

How do I find scholarships?It’s easy…you can find lists posted on the bulletin board outside of guidance, or you can click on the school’s website under the “guidance” link and then the “scholarship” link. Click the link below for the list of present scholarships and then click on the specific scholarship website you are interested in to get and complete an application.

When should I start looking?By Mid September we had the first list for the school year. Continue checking at least every two weeks for new scholarships that will be posted online.

How do I get scholarship lists?Being committed to the process is the first step. We now put links to the individual scholarships on the school’s website as much as possible. Checking the link below twice a month will be sufficient for you to find the scholarships that you qualify for. New scholarships will be indicated with a “New” icon.

What if I don’t have access to download an application at home?You can either come into guidance to download the application OR sign up on the SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION REQUEST FORM (also in guidance).

What do I do if there isn’t a link?If there isn’t a link, students will come to guidance and sign the SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION REQUEST FORM. Simply fill out the sheet writing your name, the name of the scholarship, the date of the request, and what class you have 7th hour. The application will be delivered to your 7th hour class within two days of your request. All scholarships are placed on the list according to due date (earliest due date first). Remember to be aware of all deadlines and request your application in a timely manner.

Why aren’t there links for all scholarships?Some foundations still send hard copies and prefer the school to use them.

Why do some scholarships have to come to the guidance office after I complete the application while others I mail out myself?Some scholarships only allow the school to send one or two representatives from the school to compete for the scholarship and we have to go through an internal screening process to determine who would best represent GHS.

Who determines who’s scholarship will be sent when only a limited number can be sent?There is a rotating scholarship committee within the school responsible for evaluating the applications according to the criteria set forth by the scholarship organization to determine who will represent GHS.

What do the scholarship-based organizations look for in their recipients?Typically, there is a trend of choosing the students that are well-rounded. They like to see students that put forth effort academically, are highly regarded in their school and community, participate in clubs and activities in and out of school, and use some of their free time to give back with volunteerism.

How much effort do I need to put forth to get scholarships?The first few scholarships may require you to put more work in than the others, but if you save copies of all of the scholarships you complete, you will notice that most of them ask the same questions over and over again. The organizations want you to have to work for the money, but they aren't trying to stress you out.

How many scholarships can I get?You can apply for as many as you would like. Schools have no limit as to how many scholarships you can utilize. How many you can get depends on how many scholarships that you qualify for and what the particular scholarship committee is looking for.

Generally how many students that apply actually get them?There is no formula to figure this out. It varies from year to year and what qualifications the students have.

What is the average scholarship amount?Many state and local scholarships range from $500-$1000, but there are some that are quite a bit higher…not bad for about one to two hours of work.

Why should I even bother?Unfortunately more subscribe to this thought process than should. Getting a scholarship does require work (both at the time of applying and for years beforehand to make sure you are scholarship worthy), but having that money to pay for books, tuition, housing and the various other things college requires is good for you and your parents’ pocketbooks… and it feels nice to be chosen.